#ThrowBackThursday: #FLDreamMLK Standout Players
The #FLDreamMLK Classic had a lot of talented players on display. As we take a look back to the event, here are some of those talented players I was able to see… Matteo Gutierrez (5’11/CG/‘23/Saint Brendan HS) Instagram: m.gutierrez24 Matteo is…
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Continue ReadingThe #FLDreamMLK Classic had a lot of talented players on display. As we take a look back to the event, here are some of those talented players I was able to see…
Matteo Gutierrez (5’11/CG/‘23/Saint Brendan HS)
Instagram: m.gutierrez24
Matteo is a senior guard that showed his ability to score the rock from all levels. He knocked down 3-trey balls, which opened up driving lanes that he aggressively attacked off the bounce. He is a scorer off the bounce and with his perimeter J, but he also showed a well-balanced game which showed his ability to create off the bounce for his teammates. He is a highly skilled guard that plays as a slasher and playmaker, and he contributes his fair share to the offensive production of his squad. He knows how to make in-game adjustments and play to what the defense is giving him, and from there, he is able to be more aggressive scoring or utilize his set-up ability to find his open cutters or shooters. He finished the match-up against Westminster with 13pts.
Terry J. DrakeMatteo is a senior guard that showed his ability to score the rock from all levels.
Joachim Ametepe Radcliffe (6’5/SF/’23/Riviera Prep)
Instagram: Slowgrind_j0
Twitter: @Ametepeyjoachim
Joachim was as solid as it got when it came to wing players throughout the classic. He has good positional size and gives his coach options on both ends of the floor. His strongest attributes are his tenacity on the glass, his ability to start the break off the defensive board, and his ability to be a playmaker in the open court. He has good vision and makes good decisions with the ball. Joachim is the kind of guy who can rally his team with solely his energy and the example he sets on the court. He plays the game the right way and he is unselfish in his approach. He is a great culture guy and brings senior leadership.
Terry J. DrakeHe has good positional size and gives his coach options on both ends of the floor.
Zane Elliott Zane Elliott 6'6" | SF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2026 State FL (6’4/PF/’26/Saint Thomas Aquinas HS)
Instagram: zane_the_baller35
Zane is a listed PF, but I believe he is still developing and finding his way into what he does best on the court. He is a freshman with a developing game yet being trusted with varsity minutes. He is a tough one on one iso scorer, and he knows how to score the rock off the bounce. He is an athletic forward that is highly active on the glass and provides valuable production when he is out on the floor. Zane is a multi-talented player on the offensive end, and he can defend the post and out in space on the other end of the floor. He is going to be an interesting prospect to keep an eye on over the next couple of years to keep track of his development.
Terry J. DrakeHe is a freshman with a developing game yet being trusted with varsity minutes.
Antonio Jafet García Rivera (6’1/PG/‘24/Divine Savior Academy)
Instagram: ajgr.14
Twitter: @ajgr_14
Antonio was one of the best decision-makers with the ball in his hands that I saw the entire weekend. He is a floor general with a good feel and understanding of the game. He knows how to set his teammates up to be productive, and he keeps the flow of his team going throughout the game. His off-the-dribble creativity was one of the things that separated him from many of the PGs that I saw. He is a strong outside shooter with a strong off-the-bounce game which results in him being able to hurt a defense in numerous ways. He gets it done with a dynamic all-around offensive game. He makes others around him better with his play, and he is a reason why DSA can feel optimistic about reaching their playoff ceiling. He finished the game against Calvary with 15pts.
Terry J. DrakeAntonio was one of the best decision-makers with the ball in his hands that I saw the entire weekend.
Kenneth Francis, Jr. (6’2/CG/’26/Calvary Christian Academy)
Instagram: Kjfranciss
Twitter: @Kjfranciss
KJ made his living on both ends of the floor. He brought massive energy and effort and was thriving in the open court. He had a nice bounce to his game and was very creative off the bounce as a facilitator and a scorer. He shot the ball well from beyond the arc and was another reliable guard that handled the ball-handling responsibilities. Along with his shifty handles, I also liked that KJ was patient when it came to reading the floor, and he allowed his options to develop as a result. This is saying a lot for a freshman that is playing heavy minutes. Defensively, he brings his hard hat because he applies tremendous on-the-ball pressure and gets after ball handlers. He showed a lot of promise and has the potential to develop into a sought-after player over the next several years.
Terry J. DrakeKJ made his living on both ends of the floor.
Ryan Weiss (6’4/SG/’23/North Broward Prep)
Instagram: Ryanjw42
Twitter: @RyanWei65311875
Ryan is a player with a nice all-around game. He is a steady source of point production for his squad, and he scores within the flow of their offense. He has good positional size, and there is a lot to like about his game. He shoots the ball well from the perimeter, and he can score the rock off the bounce. He is a good rebounding guard, and he finds ways other than scoring to help his team. Defenders must be conscience of him as he can get it done with or without the ball in his hands. He has a mature game as a senior guard and will be a big piece of the puzzle to his team’s playoff hopes. He finished the game against Doral Academy with 11pts.